Head of Junior School
Yr 5 Camp – Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
“Comfortable being uncomfortable” is an expression I have often shared with students about our aim to help them adopt a growth mindset as they navigate challenges here at Redlands, whether in the context of being a learner or in environments such as on Camp as I saw this week. Unprompted, I was thrilled to hear students using this same phrase in context as I joined Yr 5 Camp on Wednesday which has been the absolute highlight of my week.
Joined by Dean of Students, Mrs Kourakis, we set off before sunrise to meet the students soon after breakfast as they began their first session of outdoor adventures and in the time we spent there, we watched and joined students involved in raft building, canoeing, orienteering, mountain biking, initiative exercises, low ropes, high ropes and the infamous Giant Swing, which I had no chance of escaping from!
It truly is such a joy to leave the everyday environment of our Junior Campus to spend time with each Year Group on camp and as always, I returned from Camp having learnt so much more about so many of the students from joining in activities with them, eating meals with them, helping them set up tents or just kicking a ball around with some of the children during breaks.
New friendships have certainly been made and even after only a couple of days away, the teachers have seen how much closer and more supportive of each other the day groups have become, each of which is comprised of students from each class. Over lunch, a number of students also mentioned to me that they have really enjoyed getting to know some of the other teachers on the trip, which was also great to hear.
In recognising that many of the students eagerly look forward to Camp each year, I also acknowledge that for some, this time away can present certain challenges and parents of those students will also be fully aware of these feelings. However, sometimes, seeing these students happy and thriving in new situations and overcoming obstacles, can be the most rewarding aspect of the trip for me, as was the case again today.
I am grateful for the meticulous planning and preparation of the trip by Yr 5 Coordinator, Ms Francis, Yr 5 Assistant Coordinator, Mrs Benneyworth, and the wonderful team of teachers with them this week and we look forward to welcoming the group back on Friday afternoon at the Murdoch St side of the Campus where there is an extended bus zone.
We have also placed a few photos for you to enjoy and get a feel of the Camp on the Yr 5 page of Redlands Pulse.
Happy Bandaged Bear Day
My youngest daughter woke up last Friday and her first words were, “Happy Bandaged Bear Day!”, and it truly was! It was a joy to see the Junior Campus come together to support the Bandaged Bear Appeal, the charity in its 30th year raising money for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. This has been a charity that Redlands has poignantly connected with in recent years and it was heartwarming to see the array of cuddly toys being carried in by students in the morning.
The teddy bears’ picnic with buddy classes enjoying lunch together on the Campus was another wonderfully warm experience for our students to experience with both their buddies and their teddy bears.
As we duly acknowledged in our assembly this week, it was special to see this fundraiser being student-led and driven with Yr 5 students, Stella Cunningham, Zoe Hicks, Chloe Hitchens and Charlie Hoskin, collaborating and planning the event including merchandise sale as well as organising a drawing competition, judged by our Visual Arts teacher, Ms Reinhold.
These days fill me with immense pride and purpose in what we nurture at Redlands and the final total raised of $2,344.15 will make a significant difference to the lives of children and families at their time of greatest need.
International Day – Wednesday 10 April (Week 11)
As per the Junior School calendar, our Junior Campus will celebrate International Day on Wednesday 10 April in the final week of term. This will be a time for our community to join together to celebrate both our rich, cultural diversity and international awareness. The event aligns with similar events in Early Childhood and Year Groups will also be incorporating international perspectives in curriculum lessons.
Teachers will also be contacting parents who may be able to share their knowledge and experiences through a range of activities.
As always, I am sure that the school will be awash with vibrant colour as we celebrate the day with students encouraged to wear national costume or colours from any chosen country on this day with a reminder that enclosed shoes and sun-safe clothes should be worn.
Flexischools Canteen Use
Our online Canteen service has been up and running for almost a year and has proved to be an enormous support for families looking to order snacks or lunch for their children.
As you place orders, please may I remind you to also let your child know if they have either a recess and/or a lunch order? Similarly, a reminder that these orders are made up in the Canteen from where students should collect their orders.
Term 2 Departures
If your children will be leaving Redlands during or at the end of Term 2, could you please provide notice to the Principal (via email to registrar@redlands.nsw.edu.au) by Friday 5 April. As per our Terms and Conditions, any Term 2 departures notified after this date will incur one term’s fees in lieu.
Child Abuse and Online Grooming Information Night
North Shore Police Area Command will be holding a public information night for local parents of young children. The information night will be on Thursday 4 April from 6.30-7.30pm at Mosman Art Gallery. Please RSVP by 1 April directly to Senior Constable Jenni Brown. Limited places.
Mr Ari Guha
Head of Junior School
aguha@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022